Summit 2023
NEXTUP LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IS SOLD OUT!
Thank you so much for the overwhelming interest in NextUp Leadership Summit!
Big Dreams. Bold Action.
NextUp Summit is our largest event of the year – a celebration of everything NextUp, our community, and our mission to Advance All Women in Business! With over 1,300 attendees annually, world-class speakers, powerful programming, meaningful opportunities to connect, and frank discussions about what we can all do to meet our own career goals, there’s nothing like Summit.
Join us this year in NextUp’s home city of Chicago for an incredibly unique experience, where you’ll take in everything the Windy City has to offer while connecting with likeminded members of NextUp’s network. Summit is the event of the year, and you won’t want to miss it!
In-Person
SOLD OUT
Hosted by
NextUp
Location
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk301 E North Water St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Dates
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - Thursday, September 28, 2023
Registration fees
Early Bird Rate: $2,195 through July 26th
Regular Rate: $2,395 July 27th through August 29th
Last Chance Rate: $2,595 August 30th - September 12th
Group Rate*: (25+ attendees): $1,995
*The group rate is only accessible when a coupon code is applied. Coupon codes are provided by NextUp upon request and distributed by your company ambassador/representative.
Regular Rate: $2,395 July 27th through August 29th
Last Chance Rate: $2,595 August 30th - September 12th
Group Rate*: (25+ attendees): $1,995
*The group rate is only accessible when a coupon code is applied. Coupon codes are provided by NextUp upon request and distributed by your company ambassador/representative.
3
Days of learning
30+
Sessions
40+
Speakers
1300+
Attendees
Featured Speakers
Kara Lawson
Women's Basketball Head Coach
Duke University
Kara Lawson
Women's Basketball Head Coach
Duke University
WNBA and Olympic Champion Kara Lawson, a 2003 Tennessee graduate, was appointed Duke University’s fifth head women’s basketball coach on July 11, 2020. Prior to this role, she served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, becoming the franchise’s first female coach in its history. Her coaching success extended to leading the US 3×3 Women’s National Team to a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning her the distinction of being the first-ever 3×3 USA Basketball Coach of the Year. With an illustrious playing career in the WNBA, including a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005 and multiple gold medals, Lawson’s achievements also encompassed NCAA Final Four appearances during her college years at Tennessee. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire and make history in the world of basketball.
Going for the Bold
See Agenda Wednesday, September 27
11:50 am - 12:20 pm
11:50 am - 12:20 pm
Cameka Smith
Founder & CEO
The BOSS Network
Cameka Smith
Founder & CEO
The BOSS Network
Speaker, investor, and award-winning entrepreneur – these are just a few words that describe Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, a community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online engagement, and event-based networking. Working towards one simple goal, BOSS® is “Bringing Out Successful Sisters” to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women.
Under Cameka’s leadership, The BOSS Network has become one of the fastest-growing women communities, garnering several accolades such as a Top 50 Website for Entrepreneurs (Inc. Magazine), 10 Best Career Sites for Women (Forbes.com) and a top Twitter Account to Enhance Your College Experience (BlackEnterprise.com). In recognition of her achievements, Cameka was listed in Ebony Magazine as a 40 under 40 Entrepreneur, named one of the Top 40 Chicago Game Changers by Ariel Investments, The Network Journal listed her one of their, 40 under 40 Business Leaders, and she was presented with a Brand Star award by Adweek.
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda Thursday, September 28
9:05 am - 9:45 am
9:05 am - 9:45 am
Laurie Hernandez
Olympic Champion, Author and Mental Health Advocate
Laurie Hernandez
Olympic Champion, Author and Mental Health Advocate
Since bringing home the Gold and Silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Laurie Hernandez has gone on to win the coveted Mirror ball trophy on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 23 and published her first NYT Best Selling book titled, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond”. In 2018, she released a children’s illustrated book and NYT Best Seller, “She’s Got This”, while serving as the KPMG Literacy Champion to promote readership as a path to leadership. Additionally, Mattel created a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie to honor her and her Latina heritage.
Laurie is a second generation American, as her grandparents are from Puerto Rico, making her the first U.S. born Latina to make the U.S. Olympic team since 1984. She was the gymnastics analyst for NBC for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and will reprise the role at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Laurie is a rising sophomore, studying drama at NYU Tisch in NYC, as acting and screenwriting are future career ambitions. Throughout the year, she travels nationwide speaking to the next generation about following one’s passion; and is a fierce advocate for prioritizing Mental Health. Laurie has become an outspoken advocate for children’s rights was recently named a UNICEF Global Ambassador.
You’ve Got This!
See Agenda Tuesday, September 26
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
Beverly Johnson
Founder, Chairwoman, & CEO
BEVERLY LLC.
Beverly Johnson
Founder, Chairwoman, & CEO
BEVERLY LLC.
Beverly Johnson is the Founder, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of BEVERLY LLC. Beverly’s “Vision” is to build BJE (aka Beverly Johnson Enterprises) into a global brand around The Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand.
Beverly Johnson is an American Supermodel, New York Times Best Selling author, actress, and businesswoman. Beverly rose to fame and made history when she became the first African American women to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974, and forever changing the beauty ideal in the fashion world. Beverly is a part of the Black List, a photographic assembly of 50 of the most influential African-Americans in America. Beverly’s portrait has hung in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
Beverly became known as a “Modelpreneur,” Supermodel and Entrepreneur, and is actively involved in building the Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand in the Fashion, Beauty and Media Industries.
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda Thursday, September 28
9:05 am - 9:45 am
9:05 am - 9:45 am
Accommodations
We have reached the limit of available rooms at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. If you have not yet secured your accommodation, we have identified alternative hotels in close proximity to the event venue, each offering a range of amenities and services to ensure a pleasant and convenient experience.
Please find the list of recommended hotels below, along with their contact details, to assist you in making arrangements for your stay:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile | Aloft Chicago Magnificent Mile | Intercontinetal Chicago Magnificent Mile |
| 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 836-5900 | 243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 429-6600 | 505 N.Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60611 (312) 944-4100 |
WHAT SUMMIT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
“[Last year's Summit] conference was amazing. I left energized and better equipped to make greater strides in my career. As a woman of color I felt like I found an organization that not only got me, but celebrated me.”
Summit Attendee
NextUp Leadership Summit 2023 Sponsors
Become a sponsor of the 2023 Leadership Summit to promote your company’s name and brand in front of 1,300+ fellow leaders and show your support for All Women in Business.
She Shines Dance Party, Break and Evolved Sponsor
Ultimate and Trailblazer Challenge Sponsor
Opening Reception
Affinity Group Breakfast Sponsor
Key Sponsor
Evolved Sponsors
Break Sponsors
Tablet Sponsor
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